Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

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77 th Texas Legislature
political subdivision authorized by the commission to make inspections on its behalf. Requires the
commission, if it finds a violation, to inspect the establishment annually until the commission determines
that the establishment is free of violations.
Authorizes the commission to inspect a cemetery or crematory only under certain conditions. Requires a
report of an inspection to be filed with the commission. Requires the commission by rule to establish
procedures for the inspection of a cemetery or crematory.
Sets forth provisions related to licensing and registration of funeral directors and embalmers.
Sets forth requirements for a purchase agreement. Requires the registrant for the cemetery or crematory
to sign the purchase agreement. Provides that, if the customer selects a package arrangement based on
unit pricing, the itemization requirement is satisfied by providing a purchase agreement that itemizes the
discount provided by the package arrangement.
Provides that the fact that a funeral director contracts for cemetery or crematory services, including as part
of a package arrangement, does not limit the director's liability to the customer for those services.
Provides that it is a violation of law to use a statement that misleads or deceives the public regarding
funeral merchandise or funeral, cemetery, or crematory services. Cemetery or crematory services that
occur after burial or inurnment are excepted from this law.
Sets forth guidelines regarding cemetery or crematory registration requirements, and requires the
commission by rule to establish the registration fee.
Requires the Texas Department of Banking, on request by the commission, to provide the commission a list
of perpetual care cemeteries, including the address and other contact information for each cemetery.
Requires the commission to annually register each perpetual care cemetery on that list. Provides that a
perpetual care cemetery is not required to pay a registration fee.
Requires the funeral commission to contract with the Department of Information Resources to improve the
compilation of statistics and other information using information resources. Requires the contract to expire
before the fiscal year that begins September 1, 2003. Sets forth requirements for the contract.
Requires the commission to contract with the attorney general to ensure adequate access to certain legal
services from the attorney general.
Requires the commission, not later than December 1, 2001, to develop a plan that details the manner in
which it will implement the requirements of this article. Sets forth requirements for the plan.
Provides that a task force is created to perform certain functions. Sets forth guidelines regarding the
composition of the task force. Requires the task force to meet at least once a month. Provides that the task
force is abolished on January 15, 2003.
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